In-community Fitness - Early Childhood-to-Seniors

Benefits for Seniors

• Improved Mental Health: Interactions with children can significantly decrease the risk and symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve overall mood, and provide a more optimistic outlook on life.
• Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging in activities like storytelling, games, or simple conversations with children helps keep the mind sharp, challenges memory, and can help delay cognitive decline.
• Enhanced Physical Health: Seniors involved in intergenerational programs often experience increased physical activity, which can lead to better blood pressure management, a lower BMI, fewer falls, and less reliance on mobility aids like canes.
• Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment: Older adults often enjoy the role of nurturing and guiding young ones, sharing their wisdom and life experiences. This mentorship provides a renewed sense of purpose and self-worth, which is a key factor in overall well-being.
• Reduced Loneliness and Isolation: Loneliness is a prevalent and serious health concern among the elderly. The companionship and emotional bonds formed with children help alleviate these feelings, fostering a sense of belonging and community. 

Benefits for Children

• Improved Social and Emotional Skills: Children who participate in intergenerational care exhibit more advanced social competencies, better emotional regulation, and higher levels of empathy and respect for others.
• Enhanced Development: Interactions can lead to improvements in motor and cognitive skills, as well as more advanced communication and language abilities.
• Positive Attitudes Toward Aging: Spending time with older adults from an early age helps children to develop a more positive view of the aging process and dispels harmful stereotypes or fears related to age-related conditions or disabilities.
• Emotional Support and Guidance: Children receive unconditional love, attention, and a built-in support system from "surrogate grandparents," which contributes to their emotional security and can provide valuable life lessons.